The twentieth chapter of Revelation speaks of the millennium. The word millennium comes from a Latin word, mille meaning a thousand, and annus meaning a year. Interpretation concerning this chapter and the millennium has been a battlefield for centuries among Bible students and theologians. The different views of the millennium point to vast differences in eschatology. It's not just about the thousand years, but it is about different theologies concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Premillennialism is the oldest view in church history. It teaches that Christ will return before an actual reign on earth of a thousand years. Some of the early church fathers believed in the earthly reign of Christ during the millennium. These included Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-167), Papias, whose writings appeared around A.D. 150, and Irenaeus (A.D. 130-202). Modern theologians who have this view include George R. Beasley-Murray, George Eldon Ladd and Millard Erickson.
Up until the time of Augustine in the fifth century, premillennialism was the uncontested view. Augustine's amillennial view may be found in his book, The City of God, Book XX. Amillennialism is a nonmillennial view. There is no actual reign of Christ on earth. The second coming is followed by a general resurrection and a general judgment of all mankind. Proponents of this view have included Ray Summers, H.H. Hobbs, C.H. Dodd and B.B. Warfield.
Postmillennialism is the third view, originating with Daniel Whitby (1638-1726). He taught that the millennium would be brought in through evangelism, preaching the gospel to all nations. Christ would return after the thousand year period of missions and evangelism. This view has been held by such church leaders as John Wesley, John Gill, Charles Spurgeon, Adam Clarke, Matthew Henry and B.H. Carroll.
Millard Erickson wrote, "Premillennialism was probably the dominant millennial view during the first three centuries of the church. . . . Premillennialists observe that here (Rev. 20:4-6) is evidence of a thousand-year period and two resurrections . . . Premillennialists insist on a literal and consistent interpretation of the passage" (Millard Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, Second Edition, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2001) 396. Regardless of your interpretation, all believers can agree that the Bible teaches the personal, physical and literal return of our Lord. Jesus is coming again.
